Published May 16, 2025
Angela Rye, an award-winning host, social justice advocate, lawyer, commentator, self-described empowermenteur, and principal and CEO of IMPACT Strategies, presented a powerful keynote address inspiring and reminding graduates of the current calling for their action, voice, and vision, at LeMoyne-Owen College’s 155th Commencement Ceremony.
Rye’s remarkable address honored Black history, its legacy, and trailblazing action in Memphis and the country, while acknowledging the continued struggle towards freedom that the graduates may face as they enter the next phase of their lives.
She also recognized existing challenges in poverty, diversity, equity, and inclusion, crime, and justice, including the verdict that found three former Memphis Police Department officers not guilty of state charges in the death of Tyre Nichols.
“Memphis – where justice was most recently denied by its Hamilton County neighbors and denied to Tyre Nichols’ family as well,” she said. “That struggle is with law enforcement killing and abusing us. But that struggle is not just behind the badge; sometimes it’s on our own blocks, amongst our own children.”
Rye is nationally recognized for her commentary about social justice, politics, and culture by prominent civil rights organizations, including the National Urban League, NAACP, and National Action Network. She has also been nominated for multiple NAACP Image Awards for her work on networks including The Breakfast Club, The Daily Show, BET, HBO, TV One, CNN, ABC, NBC, NPR, and ESPN.
Rye motivated graduates to lead. “I see you showing up for all Black lives. I see you demanding divestment from prisons and investment in peace. I see you launching brands, writing books, running campaigns, and raising your voices,” she said. “You are not waiting for permission, you’re creating your own lane.”
LeMoyne-Owen College awarded Angela Rye an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for her accomplishments, standard of excellence, and inspiration.
Valedictorian Danielle Jathan, a first-generation college student from Waterhouse of Kingston, Jamaica, delivered heartfelt remarks about her perseverance, family, and purpose found at LeMoyne-Owen College.
“In my country, higher education is considered out of reach for many, not because of a lack of ambition, but because of a lack of opportunity,” Jathan said.
Jathan recalled experiences in her youth that inspired her to seek and create change for herself and others. “I grew up watching young girls become mothers too soon, and young men get swept into gang culture before they had the chance to dream,” she said. “Despite the odds, I knew deep down that I wanted something different, not just for myself, but for everyone around me.”
Jathan graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and maintaining a 4.0 GPA in all four years. She was a Presidential Scholar and W.E.B. Du Bois Honors Scholar. She will begin studying in the Bachelor of Nursing program at Trinity Washington University School of Nursing and Health Professions in Washington, D.C.
“LeMoyne-Owen College, thank you for being the place of leadership, opportunity, and change. You gave me more than an education, you gave me a purpose, and thank you for that,” she said.
Eighty-five degrees were conferred from the departments of Science, Business Administration, and Arts.
“Your graduation is not only a personal achievement, it is a victory for Memphis,” said Dr. Davis. “You leave equipped, not only with knowledge, but with purpose. Your success strengthens the city’s economy, enriches its culture, and elevates its reputation across this state and beyond.”
LeMoyne-Owen College and Stax Music Academy partnered to create the official Commencement 2025 Soundtrack, “Magic Soul”. Visit the soundtrack webpage to access the official soundtrack featured in the 2025 Commencement Ceremony.
The 2025 commencement ceremony livestream is available to view on the college’s Youtube Channel, and view the commencement photos on the college’s Facebook page.